For those who care: This was Clausen's fault. Apparently, he came out of the restaurant/bar (turns into a bar after hours) talking crap to the guy outside. I think at one point, he even dropped the "do you KNOW who I am?" line. The media is reporting it as a "sucker punch", but in reality he just got his butt beat. I guess it's good for his image, since he's most likely going pro (because of the uncertainty of NFL money per slot after next year). As far as the coaching candidates go: Apparently, ND feels they can land Stoops or Meyer. I still think it's a long shot. I don't think Meyer's denial on Monday means jack ****. He said something to the same effect when he was coaching at Utah before leaving to Florida. Besides them, Brian Kelly, Harbaugh, Tuberville have all been rumored. I imagine they'll throw the mansion at Meyer first, then Stoops, then move on to the other choices.
LOL @ Notre Dame fans. Sucker Punching Jimmy Clausen outside of IHOP really isn't going to turn the season around.
I think Stoops is a real possibility. He's losing more and more recruiting battles with Texas, and given all the talent he's losing this year, this seems like a good time to exit. I don't see why Meyer goes - he's got the perfect gig at Florida. All the media attention you could want, a recruiting hotbed, "God" status with the school, the best conference and the best visibility, etc. What does ND really have to offer? Assuming I'm right about Urban Meyer, I think they go after Stoops or maybe Gruden - proven winner as a head coach with a championship in their history. Brian Kelly and Jim Harbaugh just reek of one-year wonder. They already did that with Tyrone Willingham. And they did the coordinator thing with Weis. I don't think Notre Dame wants "up and coming star" anymore.
The only thing about Stoops - apparently, he does not like the media. If you coach at ND, you better love the media. I told this to someone the other day - if Texas, or in this year's case, OU has a bad year, most people shrug their shoulders. A 6-5 Notre Dame team is the lead story on ESPN. You just don't get the same national coverage that ND would receive, rain or shine. ND has to offer.. money. Lots and lots of money. Meyer would lose the FL recruiting hotbed, that's for sure. However, he'd have just as much "God" or "Savior" status at ND as Florida. Agree with SEC currently being best conference, but I'm not sure about the best visibility - ND is on tv every saturday, and IIRC the only school to have an exclusive contract with a network? I'd love Meyer, Stoops, or Gruden. All would be my dream coach for the Irish. I agree that ND is probably leery of the "up and coming" coaches because of the past - but outside the big three, what else is out there? I mentioned this to a friend the other day - maybe Spurrier? He seems to be wasting away at SC. Tuberville would also be a solid choice. Either way, I've got one year left here - I've come to terms with the fact that I won't witness a national championship. So now I'm hoping they at least bring in the big coach while I'm here! (Save us, Urban.) Edit: A buddy here knows quite a few higher ups.. and he's saying it's going to be Stoops. Still don't quite believe it, but I'd sure as heck take it.
